Grown Up Barbie Dress + WIWW Link Up

Guys, I'm gushing over my new dress from eShakti.  I've done a few collaborations with them in the past (check 'em out here & here).  The cut, the colors, the shape!  I'm loving it all!  It's the perfect dress for summer.  Depending on the occasion and the accessories you can dress this up or down.

Colorblock Stripe poplin dress

My sister calls this dress the "Barbie dress" (I think it reminds her of retro Barbie, and I'm totally fine with that!) and I think it's gonna stick. But it's not typical Barbie, it's grown up, sophisticated but still super fun Barbie.

I feel great in this dress; it's easy to wear and it's super flattering on my figure!

I love the big, bold stripe pattern for summer (and it looks great with my early summer tan!).

I'm beyond in love with these retro sunnies I recently picked up at one of my favorite local vintage shops, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique (if you're ever on Long Island and love all things vintage and retro, definitely, check them out!  If you can't make it out to the Island, check out their Etsy page, here).

I love layering my Bip and Bop initials necklace that Richie got me for my birthday a few months ago. It's delicate and the perfect shade of gold (and rose gold!) to layer with pretty much anything (which is great because I never take this necklace off).

Does anyone else love mixing their lipsticks to make new shades?  This MAC 'Fusion Pink' with this NYX 'Shocking Pink' layered on top makes the perfect shade of Barbie pink without being too over-the-top or babyish. 

One of my favorite things about this dress?  It has pockets!  I repeat, it has pockets!!!  eShakti knows how important pockets in a dress are to a girl (seriously, how do people wear dresses without pockets?!).

You can shop my look (and similar pieces) here!

P.S.: Blogger Bloopers!!!

I always love looking through all the pics my sister takes for my blog posts and seeing the blooper shots. Pretty much all of them are me mid-conversation, looking super confused, lol.

Don't forget to join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts!

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Summertime with eShakti

A while back I had collaborated with eShakti for a review of their umbrella dress (featured here), and I love it!  What's so special about eShakti?  Their clothes are customizable!  Sleeves, hems, pockets; they provide great options for you to customize your piece to your tastes and comfort.  Not something you can do with any company when you order online (unless you want to bring them to a seamstress, but who wants to add something like that to their to-do list?).

This time they've asked me to look through their summer look book, review it, and share it with all you lovely readers!  :)



When I think of summer I think of: bright whites, ocean and sky blues, and fun pattern play!

Flamingos?  Yes please!  These patterns are seriously so much fun for the summer!  Bright pink screams summer fun, and it's a print I've been dying to try out!  The retro style of the white dress is something you don't see a lot, so I'm definitely a fan.  And the aqua dress has amazing bow details up by the collar that I love.

Pink Flamingo Jacquard dress

Flamingo Bow dress

Gingham, in blue.  And in a retro shape.  I'm secretly in love with 50s housewife fashion (anyone else dying to channel their inner Betty Draper?), so I'm loving these dresses for summer!  For some reason, when I see blue gingham I think picnics and BBQs (AKA the best things about summer!)...anyone else?

Shawl Collar Gingham Check dress

Obi Sash Gingham Check Shirtdress

I love chambray anytime, which makes it perfect for summer, because then you can transition these pieces to any other season.  Yay for versatility!  

Scallops are reminiscent of ocean waves, as does chambray.  Denim is super durable, which is great for summertime adventures!  And jumpsuits?  My new favorite for spur of the moment romps; throw it on and go!

Chambray Denim Scallop Trim shirt

Chambray Denim Jumpsuit

Scallop Chambray Denim shorts

White and blue dresses?  I'm drooling over here.  Embroidered bib detail, bows on sleeves, laser cuts and anchors?  I want, no need, them all!  Bright whites and blues look uh-mazing with that summer glow from days out in the sun!

Embellished Bib Tunic

Pleat sash Paisley dress

Morgan dress

Anchor Embellished Colorblock dress

Pattern bottoms are a must.  How fun are these cactus print pants?  I've never even seen a cactus print before, and I have to have it!

And pompoms?  I'll take a pair of those too!  What I really love about these shorts are that they're not super short.  I'm tall (well, kind of...I'm 5'7") and have thick thighs, so the super cute pompom shorts, I can't really wear, they tend to be uncomfortable.  These ones have a longer inseam, and I'm totally digging them!

Pompom Batik shorts

Cactus print crepe jogger pants

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that eShakti comes out with more fun prints and some more bright colors!

The site is easy-peasy to navigate and they have great sales going on right now, so bows the time to pick up all your summer pieces!  At first it may seem expensive, but when you factor in the customization (plus, the quality is surprisingly awesome!), it's actually more of an investment piece if anything!

They've all been so kind to let me share a special deal with you lovely readers; a $35 gift card towards your purchase!

GC CODE:CLASSICALLYCAIT35

Valid till 06/30/2015
Enter this code in the 'Gift Coupon / Referral Code' box at checkout
Only one gift coupon can be used in an order
Not valid on previous purchases / purchase of gift cards.
This gift coupon cannot be transferred, re-issued or exchanged for cash.
Minimum order value $30.

Sponsor: eShakti Review

A while back I received a product review invitation from eShakti.  In exchange for a review they sent me a piece of clothing of my choice to feature in a post.  I was super excited, because honestly, who doesn't love free clothes?  I literally went through their whole site and let me tell you, it was pretty hard to find a favorite, because their pieces are customizable!  I repeat, customizable!  Changing a hem or a neckline can really change a piece of clothing.

Have you ever seen a super cute dress, but wished it had sleeves, instead of straps; a longer or shorter hem; maybe a scoop neck instead of a v?  eShakti lets you customize your pieces so that you can change necklines, sleeve length and dress length.  Even better than that?  They cater to women from sizes 0-36W (can you say #GIRLPOWER?)!


I chose this super cute Umbrella print dress.  I can't think of anything that screams summer with such a fun print like this dress does!  I went with the sleeveless (as shown), knee-length, v-neck option.

There are seams right under the bust and then at the waist that creates a band separating the top from the skirt.  To me it's my favorite type of shape for a dress because for my body type it's the most flattering (plus, it highlights the waist and hides your stomach, lol).

The seam on the side where the zipper was made it a little hard to zip up, but with some quick help from my sister it zipped up fine.  Once it was on I instantly felt happy: the dress gave me an awesome shape, the fabric was a good quality and it was super comfortable!  I love the v-neck, because it flatters my chest nicely and doesn't give it a weird shape as some necklines do to me.  The knee-length skirt was the perfect length because I'm on the taller side (5' 7") and is work-appropriate as well (so I'll get more use out of!).  And my favorite part?  It has pockets!!

I'm already in love with this dress.  It's kind of a fit-and-flare type of dress and it just makes me feel good (seriously, look how small my waist looks!)!  :D

*dress c/o eShakti

Since it's not quite warm enough to wear anything sleeveless, I paired my umbrella dress with this GAP mint boatneck sweater.  It's warm enough for the changing weather, and casual enough for everyday.  This look is definitely one of my favorite looks of 2015 so far!  :)

I've gone through the site and rounded up all of my favorite picks (which I wouldn't mind magically appearing in my closet, lol, #wishlist) to share with you guys!  And if you use the code 'classicallycait' now through April 9th, you get 10% off!*

Scallop Trim Poplin dress: The scallop hem dresses up what would be a plain dress, gives it some character, and the color is a nice pop to any wardrobe!

Bow Belted Stretch Faux Wrap dress: In my opinion, wrap dresses look good on pretty much any figure.

Ruffle Front Leaf Print dress: I love the structure, the print, and the ruffle going down the front of the skirt.

Anna dress: Navy and ruffle, the ultimate prep combination.

Bold Stripe dress: The bold black and white stripes make this dress super versatile: dress it up, dress it down, and add a pop of color.

Laser-cut Polka Dot dress: I love laser cut designs in clothing, it gives the piece a little something extra.

Polka Dot Jacquard Colorblock dress: The color block on this dress will definitely give you the illusion of a banging hourglass silhouette.

Moto-style dress: One of my favorites.  I love the mix between edgy and girly!

Gingham Check shirtdress: This would look super cute with a pair of riding boots and a vest.

Shawl Collar Sash Waist Gingham check dress: Probably the perfect BBQ dress around.

Crepe Faux Wrap dress: Quick and easy chic in one dress!

Bold Stripe Floral tunic: Definitely a cool statement coverup, perfect for any warm weather getaway.

Mesh Insert Poplin skirt: The mesh insert is a cool feature of this skirt and could definitely transition from the office to happy hour.

Pearl Embellished Faux Leather skirt: This skirt with a cool graphic tee?  Yes please!

Scallop Hem Chambray skirt: What prepster doesn't love chambray and scallops?

Faux Wrap skirt: Simple yet interesting makes this skirt a wardrobe staple for sure.

White Eyelet full skirt: This spring/summer I'm all about crisp, white eyelet.

Embellished Pencil Skirt: Just enough embellishment to give this black pencil skirt some spunk.

Floral Sequin Pencil Skirt: Every girl loves sequins, right?  ;)

Floral Blues Print full skirt: This is not your grandma's floral.

Embellished Bib Voile tunic: This embroidered bib tunic is a summer must!

Beaded Mesh tank top: Totally Gatsby.

Laser Cut Illusion Peplum blouse: The laser cuts make this black top ten times more fashionable.

Chambray Denim Scallop Trim shirt: More chambray and scallops?  I'll take it!

Split Neck Stripe top: Aye, aye captain!  Definitely a cute, yet subtly nautical top.

Copper Embroidered Voile tunic: A sparkly, more grown-up version of the tribal trend.

Sequin Peplum blouse: Because it's five o'clock somewhere!

Peplum Faux Wrap top: Love that wrap tops are reminiscent of ballerinas (plus they give you a nice cinched waist!).

Notch Neck Contrast Trim blouse: This would look amazing paired with a cool leather moto jacket.

I can honestly say that there were only a few downsides.  One, because the pieces can be customized it does take a while from the time you order to the time your item arrives at your door (my dress took almost three weeks, so if you need something for an important event, give yourself plenty of time to order and receive you item).  And two, I pride myself on being a very budget-friendly blogger, and try not to post anything that is too expensive; that being said, some pieces are more on the expensive side.


All in all, I'd definitely say to give this site a look (and check out their social media)!

Facebook

twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

*Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  

Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 

It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.

This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.

Not applicable on previous purchases.

Eyelet Dress

Just found the perfect spring/summer dress through one of my favorite bloggers, Carly over at The College Prepster (seriously, check out her awesome blog and her Instagram)!

Now I hardly ever buy white pieces (and by hardly ever, I mean that I have a few white tees in my drawer) because I'm always scared of spilling on and staining them (I'm a bit on the klutzy side).  But I bit the bullet and bought this Old Navy eyelet dress in white because a majority of my closet is black (although I might have to go back and order it in black too!) and this dress is just uh-may-zing in white (and just think of how awesome it's going to look with a summer tan)!!  :D

Eyelet Dress (also available in black!)

I'd definitely add a pop of color to the dress with these pretty pink suede wedges (which give you just enough height without going over the top--and potentially toppling over!).  And this perforated faux-leather tote is perfect for any warm weather outings (excuse me while I daydream about filling this tote with flowers and other farmer's market finds *sighs happily*).

And speaking of sun dresses, I also have this super cute, umbrella-print dress from eShakti (stay tuned for a review!) that I can't wait to wear once the weather gets warmer.  I fell in love with this super fun pattern that kind of reminds me of J. Crew.

So as much as I love looking at the snow and how pretty all the trees look covered in snow, I'm totally ready for warmer weather (and not having to wear eighteen layers just to leave the house).

What are your warm weather dress picks?